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For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

Setting up a social enterprise

A social enterprise is a business operated to benefit society. Learn about the benefits and rules involved in running a social enterprise.

Resource topics

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If you want your business to be ethical, you need to make informed choices about everyone you work with - including financial providers. Our guide.
Funding can be hard to come by and competition is fierce - but by planning your approach you can maximise your chances of attracting finance.
Managing the finances of a community organisation is a big responsibility. Here's our guide to managing the red tape and regulations.
Guide for not-for-profit organisations who deliver important services to their local community and face unusual challenges, including finance.
Community organisations have many of the same legal responsibilities as businesses run for profit. How to stay on the right side of the law.
Unlike even the most ethical of other start-ups, social enterprises have environmental or social values at the very core of everything they do.
Being an ethical business can reduce the negative impacts on people, animals and the environment. It can also boost your bottom line.
At first glance, Bookdonors, a Selkirk-based social enterprise, appears simply to sell books to raise money for good cause. But there's more to it.
Isle of Skye Ferry Community Interest Company was set up in Glenelg in Scotland in 2006 to run the Isle of Skye ferry for the good of the community.
Long neglected farm buildings in rural Worcestershire were renovated to provide a home for The Fold Bransford Community Interest Company.
How can would-be entrepreneurs turn their dream into a reality? In this case study Rosie Ginday of Miss Macaroon shares how she built her business.